Islam,
a gentle word that means "surrender," is the religion of choice for 1
billion people worldwide, 8 million of whom are Americans. It is also the
religion associated with terrorism. The Taliban, the ruling party of
Afghanistan, the Sheiks in other parts of the Middle East, are the radicals
among Islamís faithful. This is the religion Muslims say was handed down to
Godís last prophet, Muhammad. So, how is it that millions have come to fear
and hate them? The answer may only be found in the perversion of Islam. Like
every other religion, Islam may have drunk too large a portion of the same
poison that has corrupted all other religions ó pride.

It is in America that Christians (2.5 billion worldwide), Jews and Muslims
are said to enjoy the highest level of religious freedom in the world. But could
that idea have gone up in smoke a few weeks ago? The attack on America was too
easily explained away as the act of fanatics. What we are looking at could be a
subtle form of religious war, one spirit fighting another, for supremacy.

Certainly, there have been violent clashes between Christians, Jews and
Muslims for centuries. While historians were busy rewriting the motives for
3,000 years of bloodbaths, we remain deeply divided about who, the whereabouts
and the purpose of the unseen God. But could an all-knowing God be the source of
such confusion? Certainly not. His most powerful instruction for finding him is
to "look within."

Religion is often a means of running away from God, sometimes behind masks of
righteousness pretending humility. Clearly, the nationís 8 million Muslims did
not hijack planes and kill Americas. They should be treated with respect. They
are no different from us. They are in need of religionís antidote, the one
that resides at the core of the human heart.

Emanuel McLittle has a Masters Degree
and two decades of experience in Counseling Psychology. His keen insight,
developed over 24 years, makes him qualified to deliver honest, unambiguous
guidance.